An innovative scheme which allows doctors and primary
care mental health workers to prescribe self-help books is being trialled in Lincolnshire.

“The scheme helps to provide greater choice for
people presenting with anxiety, depression and other stress related problems at
their General Practitioners,” said David Rushforth Principal Lecturer and
National Project Manager at the Centre for Clinical and Academic Workforce
Innovation (CCAWI), part of the University
of Lincoln.

“Books from an approved list can be prescribed
by doctors, primary care mental health workers in much the same way as a
general practitioner might prescribe anti-depressant therapy.”

The Book Prescription Scheme is being trialled by
the Lincolnshire
Partnership NHS Trust, Lincolnshire Library Services and CCAWI which
has provided some of the funding.

People
with mild to moderate psychological problems are issued with a ‘Book
Prescription’ by their GP or mental health worker giving a suggested loan
period which can then be exchanged at participating libraries.

The
books are written by highly experienced psychologists and counsellors and many
present self-help versions of established programmes to treat problems
including depression, panic, lack of confidence and low self-esteem.

The
use of books as a means of providing psychological therapy is known as ‘bibliotherapy’. The National Institute for Clinical
Excellence endorsed its use in their December 2004 guidelines for the treatment
of depression and anxiety.

“The scheme in Lincolnshire
was one of the first to be launched in England,” he said. “It is not
designed to replace anti-depressants which have an important role in helping
people with emotional problems but rather to extend the choice of treatment
available.

“It provides a first step approach to treatment
which is cost effective. It allows people to take responsibility for their own
future and offers a more personalised solution.”